The global 3D printing powder market is projected to reach USD
636.9 Million by 2020, at a CAGR of 24.4% from 2015 to 2020. The growth of the
market is primarily driven by the expiry of key patents for powder-based
additive manufacturing in 2014 and increasing investments in research & development
of powder-based technology.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is majorly used in the
aerospace & defense industry, which requires high precision and quality
products. 3D printing powders offer high compressibility and durability to
manufactured products. These products are widely used in the industrial and
commercial applications, due to their extensive properties. The aerospace &
defense application segment is expected to contribute to the largest share in
2015. Automotive is expected to be the second-largest segment, followed by the
medical and dental segments. With the reduction in technology costs,
powder-based 3D printing will become accessible to other industries as well.
This will lead to growth in other applications such as printing of consumer
durable goods, accessories, and ornaments.

Based on type, the market has been classified into metal, plastic,
ceramic, and others. Metal powders are mostly used in heavy engineering and
fabrication works. The metal powder segment is expected to account for a major
share of the market in 2015. Titanium powders (metal powders), due to their
rigid structure and higher resistance to corrosion, are majorly used in
aerospace & defense industry for manufacturing aircraft engine components.
Metal powders are also used in automotive industry in tooling applications.

North America is expected to be the largest market for 3D printing
powder market in 2015. Europe is one of the global manufacturing and commercial
hub for powder metallurgy manufacturers. The manufacturers in this region have
made large investment in the expansion of their capacities to meet the varied
needs of the 3D printing market in the near future. The market in Row is
expected to witness significant growth from 2015 to 2020. The increasing investments
from technology startups and government agencies are projected drive the growth
of the market in the coming years.

Powders used in additive manufacturing need to be atomized for use
in high precision engineering applications. Supply of these specialized powders
still remains a concern, which may restrain the growth runoff the market.
Although powder-based 3D printers can serve in the most remote location in
world, servicing these printers’ remains a challenge for powder-based 3D
printer manufacturers.